I’m a plus size model for 3 years and Miss Congeniality Plus Size Carioca 2011 and Example Divine Woman 2013. Working on the MF models Models Plus agency of Rio de Janeiro. I like to help other women to rescue their self-esteem. I am a social worker by training and plus size model in my spare time. I attend many events and have walked twice in the United States in 2013 – the Melange Fashion Show in San Francisco , CA and 1426 Fashion Week , Miami , FL .

What inspired you to get into modeling?

I saw some plus size models on TV and realized they were not very different from my body type. I researched the profession and did my first book and mailed to agencies, to my surprise, all the agencies liked my profile and I signed up as a model.

What kind of modeling have you done?

I have attended a few fashion shows in Brazil and abroad, did catalogs, billboards, and other advertising pieces. I also work as evidence of the Leader brand style. Winner of the contest organized the Great Muse Summer 2012 and the 1st Meeting Plus Size RJ. I also recorded a short film last year .

What are your likes and dislikes about modeling ?

I like clothes that enhance my curves and make me beautiful, elegant and comfortable. I love dresses because they make me sexier, but I do not like too short or tight clothing.

Are you with any modeling agencies or teams?

Yes, I am a partner in MF Models Plus agency.

What words would you use to describe your personal style?

I am a very outgoing person. I am a business woman and plus size in the world do not have many friends , but my focus is always professional .

What does Curvy And Curious mean to you?

I enjoyed the work of yours, so I decided to sign up to promote my work. I believe you will help many women to appreciate their curves and recover their self-esteem.

What kind of advice have you been given that you give to aspiring models ?

Before taking the first step, study on the profession to know if this is really what you want. It is a challenging profession and rather complicated – only the strong will win! Run after your dreams and do not listen to people because many do not want your success! Work and study hard , because sooner or later success comes!

I am from Portsmouth, VA. I moved to Raleigh, NC to go to Shaw University. That is where I began modeling. In 2006 I joined a plus size modeling troupe called Pure Elegance. I have a BS in Business Management and one in Accounting. I am still living in Raleigh and building my print portfolio. My goal is to do runway full-time.

What inspired you to get into modeling?

I have always been into fashion and when I stepped on a runway I fell in love!

What type of modeling have you done?

I have done runway and print.

What are your likes and dislikes about modeling?

Again, I LOVE runway and how being on the stage empowers me.

I do not like worrying if people will like my work.

Are you with any modeling agencies or teams?

No.

What words would you use to describe your personal style?

Versatile, Frugal, 40’s

What is your guilty pleasure when it comes to fashion?

I love shopping and I cannot pass up a good deal whether it’s a sale, thrift buy, or free.

What does Curvy and Curious mean to you?

It means to be shapely and open. We should not hide from the world just because we have a more meat on our bones.

What type of advice have you been given that you would give to aspiring models?

If it’s your dream, go for it at 100%. I think you need full dedication to reach your full potential.

If there is one most important thing I am learning about “the biz,” it’s branding. For example, I am building my “brand” as Curvy And Curious. Whatever I post on this site represents my personality, my goals, dreams, etc. This site is then viewed all over the world. When I meet readers, they know a lot about my personality and even my secrets, because I chose to brand this site, and myself, as REAL TALK.

Even though I am all about keeping it real, I am starting to learn that the industry revolves around being fake. Feeling down? Talk about it and it shows that you are weak. Feeling overwhelmed? “Oh, she can’t handle the pressure.” We all have feelings, so why aren’t we allowed to voice them?

It just irks me that many people in the industry seem to care more about building a brand around a fake personality than to build a brand around your real self. I believe my realness is what sets me apart from other models and actresses. If being real ruins my brand, well so be it, but at least I’ll still have me.

Don’t lose yourself in your brand. Be you, be real, and be proud of who you are and what you do! The world is your runway, so rock it with your signature walk.

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We are constantly striving to keep up with whats fresh. Unfortunately, along with the fad of “twerking” has come along the word “ratchet.” Last time I checked, a ratchet was part of a wrench, right? Not anymore.

repeatedly use ludicrous terms such as “YOLO”, “swag”, “boost”, “beaking”, “doe”, “really”, “naw”, “actually”, “twerk”, “coaster”, “dagga”, etc., to make a valid statement when they speak

have side bangs, despite having incredibly small-ass foreheads to support them

are commonly overweight and are mind-numbingly stupid; a safe assumption to make would be saying they’re uneducated (as if they could pass the 4th grade)

After attending many parties and clubs, mostly in NYC, I’m seeing more and more “Ratchetness” with the growing acceptance of size. Ladies used to feel like they needed to cover up or couldn’t wear tight dresses if they have curves – these days are no longer. No matter how acceptable you may think your wardrobe is, you need to remember that you are a woman with curves and need some help keeping those curves in place! You can wear a short skirt or slutty dress, but wear tights (ahem, not fishnets), a bra, and shapewear. Come on, do you really want to look like this?

I was born in Savannah Georgia and spent one term in the US army. I am a mother of 3 boys who are my life. I’ve always wanted to be a model since as far back as I can remember but although I was small enough for regular modeling, I wasn’t tall enough. My favorite color is pink.

What inspired you to get into modeling?

After giving birth and being diagnosed with PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) I struggled with self esteem issues for years. Now I look at modeling as an opportunity to be an inspiration to every day women who may have self esteem issues or feel that because they aren’t a certain size or height they can’t model. If I can do it, so can you!

What type of modeling have you done?

I have done runway and print.

What are your likes and dislikes about modeling?

I love the transformation process, traveling and meeting wonderful people.

I dislike the separation and discrimination of “Plus” and “regular” models.

Are you with any modeling agencies or teams?

I am a part of the Virginia Full Figured Fashion Week (Vf3w) team and I work alone.

Recently I lost 5-10 pounds. I wasn’t eating healthy, I wasn’t working out, I was just stressed out of my mind and the weight just fell off. With my body type, 5-10 pounds is a recognizable difference. All my friends, my family, and acquaintances commented about it.

I’m sick to my stomach over it. All these people, and there has been many, are trying to compliment me. What they are doing, unbeknownst to them, are judging my weight, saying essentially, “you look good now, better than you did before.” I think more people should be aware of their comments – what they mean and the effect they can have. Once I gain this weight back, which I undoubtedly will because I did not lose it in a controlled healthy way, will they remark that I have gained weight? Of course not. Commenting that someone gained weight is wrong because it is a judgement on their bodies. But commenting that someone has lost weight? Oh that’s just fine.

My sister has recovered from an eating disorder that nearly killed her. When she first started losing the weight, I was among these people, “Melissa*, you look great! Keep up the good work!” blah blah blah.. I didn’t know the “good work” was her vomiting after her every meal. Every comment I made to her, and the comments by other people towards her, encouraged her, and the direct focus on her weight fueled her insecurity, her mental disease, putting weight as the topic of discussion. I have learned from this experience never to remark on someone’s shape, and to try avoid looking at their outward appearance entirely. Corney, but it’s the soul that matters.

People make their comments about my weight, “Oh wow! You look like you lost a lot of weight! So skinny!” and I nod, I pity them..and I try not to let them get into my head. I never say thank you, because although they do not mean me harm, this is not a compliment.

I had not weighed myself in years. When I did, it was sporadic. Now, despite my best efforts to keep these people out of my head, I notice I am checking the scale, noticing the number.. the one pound up or down. Because all of these remarks.. I know what people first notice about me. I did not care about gaining the weight back, but now……do I? I do well and overall don’t care, but the judgement and continuous focus and remarks have made it difficult.

I lost it in an unhealthy way.. and society has told us that how you lose weight doesn’t matter.. as long as you are thinner.

I wanted to share this with you because I admire the work you have done on yourself and the work you have done for others. This is not a “fat” problem, or a “skinny” problem we deal with. Making remarks/judgement on appearances is just plain wrong, and I wish more people would see this. Look more into the eyes of people rather than their physical appearance. I have a healthy mindset, but if I did not these peoples remarks would drive me into an anxious and dangerous life style, the way it did my sister.

Food for thought. Thank you for your contributions in this field.. more people should be opening their minds and accepting who they are.

Thanks for sharing your story of confidence and finding yourself. This is what Curvy And Curious is about! Hang in there girl, you’re never alone.

Thrift Store Swaggis a clothing exchange, shopping, and runway event that was first held on October 12, 2013 by Curvy And Curious. Since the event was such a hit, we are now getting ready to do it all again! This time we will be donating toys to Toys for Tots and again, all extra clothes will be donated to Goodwill.

On November 9th, 2013, One Chance Entertainment held its 4th Annual Evolution of Curves Tour Finale in NYC. This charitable show rocked the DiMenna Center for Performing Arts. This event was a huge success and many media outlets came out to capture the dangerous curves in the building! Check out all of the photos and videos from around the web!